Bradford Hospitals’ Charity has launched an urgent appeal for the public to support the city’s hard-working NHS hospital staff through the Covid-19 crisis.

The NHS Hospital Heroes Appeal has launched today to raise money for staff across Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (BTHFT) and to encourage the public to show their support.

Members of the public are asked to donate to a crisis fund which will be used to buy items and services for staff to help them through the weeks and months ahead. From hotel accommodation, to comfort packs and drinks.

Dr Max McLean, Chair of both BTHFT and Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has places immense pressure on NHS services in Bradford and beyond, with staff across our hospitals working around the clock to care for patients.

“Staff in every area of the hospital are working hard – from the front line to the back-office. They have families, just like you, who they must leave behind to keep our NHS working for everyone. Not only have they risen to the current challenge, but they are also busy preparing for even worse to come.

“We know we have very tough times ahead but we will continue to come to work and put patients first. But we need your help now, more than ever before.

“Please do what you can to help our staff, so they can help you.”

The public can support the NHS Hospital Heroes Appeal in the following ways:

1.    You can donate money via our Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/campaign/BTHFTCovid-19

£10 could pay for a comfort pack for staff having to stay overnight at short notice.

£20 could pay for a return taxi to work so that a member of staff does not need to use the bus.

£50 could stock a snack area for staff working long hours.

£100 could pay for a hotel room for staff needing to stay close to the hospital or isolate from their families to keep working.

£1,000 could pay for a hydration station to remain fully stocked with drinks and snacks for a ward for an entire month.

The Trust will decide where the money is needed and will ensure your donations are spent to support staff through this crisis.

2.  As a business, you could donate goods or services.

From refreshments and snacks to accommodation for our hard-working staff to stay nearby – we would be grateful for any support you can provide.

Please don’t deliver any items to hospitals, as you MUST stay safe at home. We will find a way for the goods to be delivered or the message to be communicated to our staff.

Many local businesses are also offering discounts to our NHS staff. This makes a huge difference and we are very grateful. If you are able to offer any discounts, please let us know. All discounts will be publicised on the Bradford Hospitals’ Charity website.

If you would like to offer goods or services, please call our charity office on 01274 274809 or email charity@bthft.nhs.uk

3.  You could also join our army of new NHS volunteers! Please sign up via the Good Sams app here. 

4.  Finally, please do send your messages of support! This is such a tough time for everyone in the NHS and we would love to know you have our backs! Your messages will make a big difference during the difficult days and nights ahead.

You can send messages of support via Twitter, tagging @BTHFTcharity and @BTHFT.

For other ways to help including gifts, volunteering and other support please go to our NHS Hospital Heroes page